Cover Image: My Heart Went Walking

My Heart Went Walking

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Member Reviews

This book was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review. Family...sisters...boyfriends...a baby...illness...surrogate grandparents...a business...reconnecting...lies...truths...it is all in this novel wrapped up in a neat package that is difficult to put down. Enjoy.

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A beautiful debut novel, ‘My Heart Went Walking’ is a coming of age story that pulled me in right from the first chapter.
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16 year old Una discovers she is pregnant and is determined to keep her baby, even if it means running away from home. She even leaves Cullen, the man she loves and father of her baby, in the dark about her pregnancy and where she is going.
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After a week of living on the streets of Dublin, she is taken in by a kind older couple who had always longed for a daughter of their very own.
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Then one day, tragedy strikes. Her beloved sister falls ill with leukaemia, and Una knows she needs to return to her family of origin - and to Cullen.
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I really loved the themes of maturity, of family love, of redemption, and of forgiveness that were prevalent throughout this story. It was charming and heartwarming with just the right amount of suspense and angst to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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I was attracted to this novel because it takes place in my favorite setting, Ireland. The storyline was plausible, set in the 1980s as it was, and the characters were well-developed. I loved Una, but was also extremely frustrated with her--it was painful to watch her struggle. Those who haven't been to Ireland might want for more descriptions of the landscape and the beauty of the land, but for me, just the mention of particular areas, streets, sections of Dublin, etc. brought it all home.

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This is the bittersweet, sometimes humorous, sometimes rambling story of Una, Ellie and Cullen, and the decisions, omissions and mistakes they make in their youth that will affect and shape the rest of their lives. Una and Ellie both love Cullen. Una falls pregnant with Cullen's child and fearing that the child will be taken away from her, she sets off on her own, far from anyone who could help her. Una makes it through, but Ellie is diagnosed with Leukemia and the moment of reckoning draws near for all three of them.

Some mistakes have a silver lining, and "all is fair in love and war."

How the author achieved her "happily ever after" within this tangled web of family woes is what will keep the reader's attention until the very last page is turned. The writing and imagery were often emotive and lyrical.

I'm rating this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

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What a heartwarming and emotional debut novel! This is the story of two sisters, Una and Ellie, in 1980s Ireland, who both happen to be in love with the same boy (Cullen). It is beautifully written with well-developed, relatable and likable characters, and will keep you entertained and intrigued throughout (and perhaps tissues will be required at times). This is simply a great story of life’s ups and downs, of love and forgiveness, of family and friendship — and most of all, of hope.

I am definitely looking forward to more from Sally Hanan!

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I was utterly drawn into the story and writing of the debut novel of Sally Hanan. Set in Ireland Una is 16 and pregnant. Una tells her ma and her ma lets her know that she will have to leave home and tell no one about the baby. Una is to stay home until her ma and da talk and then they will take her away. Una wants to keep her baby and she is afraid of what her parents will do so she takes off on her own. Thus begins the many perils that Una goes through and the strength she develops to survive for her and the baby. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.

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A wonderful told story of two sisters in 1980's Ireland. who are separated from each by one sister's unplanned pregnancy. For those readers of Maeve Binchey, this book will draw you in from page one. Family secrets will keep these two sisters apart but when they need each other the most., they both realize what family means. A wonderful read.

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This was a charming and beautifully written coming-of-age/family story set in 1980s Catholic Ireland where young women (and their parents) were ruled by the pope and not their hearts. There were some unexpected turns in places, so that my early guess about the ending did not pan out! It was an easy read (in a good way) and reminiscent of Maeve Binchy's books. Tissues were required in places, as they usually are for me for good books in this 'genre'. Thank you to the author, and may you write many more, and to NetGalley for a digital advance review copy.

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This book was an unexpected treasure! Once I got into it, discovering each character's foibles, it was a compelling read that had me engaged until the last satisfying page.
Despite the historical setting of the 1980s in Ireland, the storyline covered women's issues that are still relevant today in countries where teenage sex is frowned upon, especially with the consequence of pregnancy. Una's mother's reaction caused her daughter to flee rather than lose the baby to the church or a backyard abortion. In some countries, as we know, the girl is the one who shoulders the shame and responsibility for the pregnancy and is vilified, beaten and/or killed.
Una is a courageous young girl who relies upon her wits to protect her unborn baby, sacrificing the love of her family and friends (especially Cullen).and creates a new life for herself. How gratifying the warmth and protection the childless couple affords her!
The book is full of humour and heartbreak and many other emotions in between.. It's a terrific read.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read it and hearty congratulations to Sally on her debut novel.

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I enjoyed this book. It was fast paced but took the reader on some lovely twists and turns. I loved all the Irish slang and dialogue. I loved the growth of all the characters..

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Plot:- The story is set in the early 1980's in Ireland. and is a story between two sisters--Una and Ellie. Both are in love with the same boy Cullen--Una being pregnant with Cullen's child. When Una ran away from home without telling anyone, not even to Cullen, a romance started between Ellie and Cullen. Then Ellie is diagnosed with leukemia and the story becomes emotional as the two sisters are reunited.

Writing:- This is the first time I have read from this author. I really like her writing--so engaging that I was literally hooked into the story from start to finish. I have never been to Ireland but reading this book gave me glimpses of what life is like in the 1980's Dublin, Ireland, the descriptions of the places in Ireland made me feel like I was in Ireland. The story is told from the perspectives of Una, Cullen and Ellie, giving the reader what each of these characters are feeling and their emotions. There were some parts where it was so emotional that I almost balled out my tears. This book is realistic and more like a family drama that will keep you hooked into the book. The writing is engaging, flowing and the author did a good job making the reader feel like they didn't want to put the book down.

Characters:- To me, all the characters, particularly Una, Ellie and Cullen are my favorites. Each character had a unique story to tell, each character is an emotional character and also likable too.

Overall:- This is a heartbreaking and emotional book that will make you cry and an unputdownable book. Worth five stars!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

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I don't even know how to review this book!

It was gripping, I read about 3/4 of it today alone, and I definitely recommend it as a good read. It hit a ton of tough topics... maybe too many for one story. And while I am the first to grab a book with an ending tied up with a pretty bow, this ending was a little too happy. Made it feel less realistic. Still a great book though. And clean... no open door surprises or excess swearing.

I read this as an ARC thanks to Netgalley.

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I enjoyed reading this book. The author captures the first love, loss, family, friendship, and emotional upheavals of a 16-year-old Irish girl. We can see her mistakes, but understand that her youth and inexperience let her make decisions from the heart. When Una tells her mother of her pregnancy, her mother reacts as most Irish mothers would have done at that time. In the years following her departure from home, we see how Una grows and that mistakes made do not define our lives.
Good insights into Irish family life. It is a bit predictable, though.

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A quiet women's fiction novel set in the 1980's, MY HEART WENT WALKING is the brilliant story of family--blood family and found family--sisterhood, young love, mistakes, faith, and motherhood. Even with multiple point of views, the writing flowed beautifully. Descriptions of the setting and the conversations between these very connected people were vivid and natural. I felt like I was right there with the characters for the whole story- Una's motivations, Cullen's reactions and feelings, and Ellie through her ordeal, will stay with me forever.

But beware, this isn't an easy read. The characters are young and inexperienced and their actions reflect that, but the story will bring you back to a time when you experienced your first love, and the joy and confusion that accompanied that. Una and Ellie's family is not perfect by any means, but what family is?

For me, as I was reading these pages, I felt that MY HEART WENT WALKING was book of the author's heart. Perhaps a story that Ms. Hanan has had in her mind for years, because the words and emotions behind them seem heartfelt and thoughtful and real. I truly enjoyed reading this lovely story, and finished it with a full heart. I look forward to Ms. Hanan's future women's fiction books, and I can't wait for the audio version of this one!

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My Heart Went Walking was set in 1980s Ireland and I could really feel that in the writing. Hanan set the story of two sisters and the ups and downs of their lives well, and I could relate to the hardships suffered through some aspects. The writing felt very authentic, and I think anyone who enjoys Irish fiction will thoroughly enjoy it. I felt some YA vibes, which I maybe wasn't expecting, but overall, a good read.

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Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A really enjoyable read. Great characters and so well written. Loved the character development. Highly recommended!

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My heart split into pieces with the passing of my favorite author, Maeve Binchy - but this book took me right back to her style of fantastic story telling! What a breath of fresh air this book is - I fell in love with all of the characters immediately. And I love the glossary of Irish terms - many I already knew, but I was enchanted to learn more! May Sally Hanan have a long career of writing engaging, heart-filled stories!

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Set in Ireland in the mid-80s ~ story of sisters Una and Ellie...
Story starts when sixteen year old Una Gallagher tells her Mam that she is pregnant. Her Mam goes ballistic ~ not exactly the reaction Una expected. She now is fearful if she tells Cullen the baby’s father he will do the right thing and marry her. So she tells him she thinks the baby is Dylan’s and her Mam is not going to let her keep the baby and wants her to give it to the nuns. She decides it is best if she leaves Donegal and goes to Dublin. Cullen, of course, is hurt and says I guess you decided and leaves.
When she arrives in Dublin She is friended by Des and Catherine and they give her and baby Kieran a home.
In the meantime, Ellie and Cullen start to see one another. Cullen feels terribly guilty as he still cares for Una.
Story is told from the POV of Una, Ellie, and Cullen
This was a delightful surprise for me. I am not a big fan of character driven stories; but I loved these characters and I liked the story far more than I expected.

A mistake made when you are sixteen doesn’t necessarily define the rest of your life; a life lesson is how you deal with it. Una thought her life was over when in truth it just begun. As she states …my heart went walking but it did return home.

To me the ‘Cherry on top’ to a good read is the Author’s Acknowledgements ~ Ms. Hanan not only thanks important folks but gives us the inside scoop to her background and motivation for the story.
In this case it is called “A Personal Letter To Readers”; which is a story in itself.
Also liked that the book also included a Glossary that a bookmarked for easy reference

Want to thank NetGalley and Fire Drinkers Publishing for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 5, 2022

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was heartbreaking at times and was a compelling story. Ellie was such a strong young woman and her story although tough and heartbreaking was also full of hope. The characters were so real it was hard to put the book down. Beautifully written and a truly beautiful story.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Fire Drinkers Publishing for the ARC! What a beautifully written story. So touching and emotional. The author did an amazing job drawing the reader (me) into the lives of Una, Ellie and Cullen. You will feel all emotions possible while reading their stories. The characters felt so real and not one dimensional. Captivated until the very end. I will definitely recommend this book and author to others.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

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